Wednesday, March 28, 2012

True Answers that you would never say in an Interview

I was looking over what I wrote in Inappropriate Answers to Interview Questions. Those questions and answers got me thinking what the real answers would be, if I was being really honest. So here goes:

Tell us a little more about yourself.

I am 35 years old, 15 pounds overweight, and sometimes a really sloppy dresser. I really like going out to eat, hence the 15 extra pounds. I love watching violent movies, but I am currently trying to limit watching as much violence. I swear so much that I could probably make Samuel Jackson cry, but I am working on it. I love reading thriller/romance novels, and I will never stop, nor apologize for loving them! The most important part of my life, what gives me the most meaning besides my relationship with Jesus is being a mother. I never knew I could feel joy like this. I will probably force you to look at pictures of my child, but I will definitely look at pictures of your children, animals too. I am also pretty earnest, sometimes naive.

What is the most meaningful part of ministry for you?

Like I answered in the inappropriate answers, relationships are the most important part of ministry for me. I really do like people. I actually like to hear people's stories. I feel a thrill when someone is willing to share with me about his or her faith journey- not the public story, but the private story, the sometimes boring story. I think that God works in the mundane and the insane. I love witnessing someone step out on faith, try something new at church, even if those tentative steps have messy results. Noise and a little chaos does not bother me. I am blown away when some ministry ideas actually works like a Vacation Bible School, allowing children to lead the Easter Vigil or playing hide and seek in the sanctuary.

What are your greatest strengths in ministry?

I am cheerful. This might not sound like a strength or a skill for that matter, but I believe that as Christians we need to be cheerful. We need to recognize that life is painful and difficult, but we do not need to contribute to that sorrow. We are light to a dark world. I want to be a light too. I am also not afraid of high emotions and screaming or hysterical crying (though when I do it, I try to hide it behind closed doors). I will not walk away from someone who is heartbroken, nor will I back down from a bully.

What are your greatest weaknesses in ministry?

Where to begin, where to begin... I love affirmation, and I will allow that to determine my self worth. I used to be devastated with rejection and failure, now I have to will myself not to internalize the rejection. I can be lazy. When I am hurt, I really, really want to hurt that person who hurt me, but I try to resist. I can be prideful and pretend that I am so holy and pious, but usually I get knocked off my high horse. You know what, I am going to stop with these.

Why do you feel called to this place?

I wish I could tell you why because I know that no matter what reason I give I will never be able to explain my feelings and the movement of the Holy Spirit. Instead I want to tell you what type of church I would like to be a part of. I want to lead a church that is working on it. What I mean is that like me, that church realizes it is not perfect, but strives everyday to be better than the day before. That church likes people too, is afraid, but willing to step out on faith. This magical church where ever you are is just waiting to be loved and to love. I guess that is why I feel called to this place. I want to love you, if you will let me. I hope you will love me too, if I let you.

8 comments:

Oh my, SO many things banging about in my head--but loudest is your comment on being cheerful--huge. There is a book by Piper on Christian Hedonism that shaped much of my 20's and the years I worked in Guatemala and Mexico. Finding joy in Him and in His work is foundational. Entirely too many "Christians" are shouting how heavy their burden is, how black the skies, and dark the morning...